March Wrap Up…

Welcome to my March Wrap-Up. I had a terrible reading month in March, finishing 1 book (1 book off my TBR). I also received 2 ARCs this month. I have reviews up or coming up for these books so as usual this is just going to be a brief rundown on the book I read.

Without further ado, let’s get into my March Wrap Up:

In Bad Faith by Dassi Erlich: This book was equal parts heartbreaking and inspiring. I can remember seeing Dassi and her sister’s stories on the news over the years so reading Dassi’s story was something I was excited to about. I loved that she was honest; brutally so, about her life and trauma and how she is living with it. I can easily see this book inspiring many survivors to share their stories. I am glad that I have read this book, even if it was difficult to read at times. This book is an absolute must-read for everyone.

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That’s it for my March Wrap Up. I hope you all had a great reading month. Let me know what you guys read this month in the comments section.

Happy Reading…

GEM

Paddington: Here And Now by Michael Bond

‘I’m not a foreigner,’ exclaimed Paddington hotly. ‘I’m from Darkest Peru.’

Paddington Bear always manages to find himself in tricky situations, sometimes extraordinary situations. Like the time he had a difficult encounter with a policeman or when he found himself in deep water with a newspaper reporter. But since arriving from his native Peru after an earthquake Paddington has always felt at home with the Brown family who found him on Paddington station. Then one day, a surprise visitor arrives at thirty-two Windsor Gardens. Is it time for Paddington to decide where ‘home’ really is?

If Paddington Bear learned anything from his Uncle Pastuzo, it’s that home is where you hang your hat. And for Paddington, nothing feels quite like home than being with the Brown family. Whether Paddington is starring in a surprise concert performance while eating a marmalade sandwich, having his shopping basket towed away, or dealing with the complications of air miles. or thwarting a burglary attempt from Gentleman Dan, the Drainpipe Man, this one-of-a-kind bear keeps the Brown family home full of adventure and laughter.’

This book was great.

It didn’t take me long to realize that I had never read this book before which was exciting. I have had a mix of new reads and re-reads throughout this read-a-thon and I find myself getting through the new reads much faster as I am desperate to see what happens next.

This is the first Paddington book I have read that wasn’t solely illustrated by Peggy Fortnum. I really enjoyed seeing the illustrations by both Peggy Fortnum and R.W. Alley and how they complemented each other and the story being told.

Michael Bond has done a wonderful job with this book. I smiled from start to finish and had some genuine laugh-out-loud moments. I loved the warmth and emotion that radiated from this book; I was like receiving a hug from an old friend.

After reading this book I am excited to jump into the next Paddington book on my list.

Paddington: Here And Now by Michael Bond is a must-read for all Paddington fans.

Autumn 2024 Activities Book Tag…

Welcome one and all to another Wacky Wednesday post. Today I am partaking in the Autumn Activities Book Tag. I hope you all enjoy this quick little tag.

So without further ado, let’s jump straight in:

APPLE PICKING

A BOOK ON YOUR TBR THAT LOOKS SO DELICIOUS YOU CAN’T WAIT TO TAKE A BITE OUT OF IT.

Paper Hearts & Summer Kisses by Carole Matthews

CORN MAZE

A BOOK THAT’S SO MUCH FUN TO GET LOST IN.

Psyche and Eros by Luna McNamara

PUMPKIN PATCH

THE LATEST BOOK YOU PICKED UP (PURCHASED).

Hamlet is Not OK by R.A. Spratt

SCENIC DRIVES

A BOOK THAT IS LYRICALLY BEAUTIFUL.

Emily Wilde’s Encyclopaedia of Faeries by Heather Fawcett

PUMPKIN CARVING

A BOOK YOU DIDN’T LIKE AND WOULDN’T MIND CARVING UP.

Monsters by Claire Dederer

HIKING

A BOOK THAT WAS A HIGHLY ENJOYABLE ROMP.

Honey, Baby, Mine by Laura Dern and Diane Ladd

DRINKING APPLE CIDER

A SWEET BOOK TO CURL UP UNDER THE COVERS WITH.

The Lost Library by Rebecca Stead and Wendy Mass

JUMPING IN A LEAF PILE

A BOOK THAT REMINDS YOU OF YOUR CHILDHOOD.

The Golden Egg Book by Margaret Wise Brown

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Well, that’s it for me. I hope you guys enjoyed this tag. As usual, hit me up with your answers in the comment section.

Until next time…

Happy Reading… 

GEM

Paddington Takes The Test by Michael Bond

‘ALL THIS COULD BE YOURS!’

Paddington read on the glossy leaflet showing a large, sleek, silver-grey car. It took him a long time to eat fifteen packets of currants in order to enter the competition. And the Rolls-Royce he’d expected to win turned out to be one of ten thousand consolation prizes – a bookmark!

“Congratulations on passing your driving test!” said the examiner, grimly.

Who would have thought it possible when he had just sat on Paddington’s marmalade sandwiches and been driven into the car in front? But then, he hasn’t tested many bears before.

Only a bear like Paddington could find himself taking a driving test by mistake, becoming a model at an art school, being sawed in half at a magic show, falling asleep on a historic exhibit in a stately home, or locking the Browns’ grumpy neighbour, Mr. Curry in a sauna.’

This book was great.

I am excited to say that this is one of the few books I have read during my Paddington read-a-thon that was completely new to me. I loved that I got to experience this book for the first time, as many of the books I have read recently have been re-reads so I had some knowledge about what was going to happen.

This book gave me some genuine laugh-out-loud moments which was awesome and a little unexpected. I also loved the warmth that radiated from this book. There were many moments when I just couldn’t wipe the smile off my face while reading this book.

Adding to the joy that this story gave me were the wonderful illustrations by Peggy Fortnum. As all of the Paddington books I have read have been illustrated by Peggy Fortnum I am quickly discovering that the combination of Michael Bond’s story and Peggy Fortnum’s illustrations is a perfect pairing that elevates these books to a whole new level.

Michael Bong has done a great job with this book. It was fun, funny, and in a strange way familiar. I felt like I was catching up with old friends and hearing about their recent adventures; or maybe misadventures, which made for a lovely reading experience.

Paddington Takes The Test by Michael Bond is a wonderful addition to the Paddington series.

Pointless Facts 46!

As I am really enjoying compiling Pointless Facts, I am going to stick with my plan of posting a new list every month; at least until it stops being fun for me. So I hope you all enjoy this month’s installment of Pointless Facts.

Let’s jump in, shall we?

Some of the early libraries used to chain books on the shelves as an anti-theft system.

The island of Tasmania has the cleanest air in the world.

Reading may relieve anxiety and stress by up to 68%.

New South Wales is the most populous state of Australia as 65% of the country’s population lives in New South Wales.

Former US President Theodore Roosevelt read books every day to lower his stress level. 

Australia is the largest country in the southern hemisphere.

S. E. Hinton started writing at the age of 15.

In the 1880s, Melbourne was the most prosperous and wealthiest city in Australia.

John Steinbeck worked as a caretaker in Lake Tahoe and used his spare time to write his first novel.

The most well-behaved convicts comprised the first police force of Australia.

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I hope you all enjoyed today’s pointless facts. Let me know in the comments if these pointless facts were new to you or if you have already come across them.

GEM

Paddington On Top by Michael Bond

‘Up until now, Paddington has managed to avoid school. But the Inspector himself catches up with him and packs him off. After one day, even the teacher wonders whether there is anything he can teach a certain bear from Darkest Peru.

What other bear but Paddington could find himself sent home on his first day of school? Or questioned as a prime witness in court? Or taking a crash course in water skiing? Trust Paddington to follow his nose for adventure, with a suitcase full of marmalade sandwiches in tow!’

This book was fun.

As soon as I started this book I knew that I had read it as a child and as the story unfolded I was filled with nostalgia as my memories came flooding back. This is easily one of my favourite reads so far in my Paddington read-a-thon.

I loved that we finally got to see Paddington go to School in this book. I have been looking forward to it since I started my first Paddington read and it did not disappoint. I can remember growing up learning about what we call ‘truant officers’ making you go to school, so seeing Paddington deal with this was really entertaining.

Michael Bond has done a really great job with this book. The story was absolutely perfect and the way it was driven by the character’s reactions to both each other and their situations made for some really funny moments. I also thought the pacing was faster than what we usually see in a Paddington book which I think worked really well for the story being told.

As with all of the Paddington books I have read recently, this book was illustrated by Peggy Fortnum. I found the use of illustrations in this book delightful and perfectly positioned throughout the story. I can easily see young readers loving the illustrations and the scenes that these illustrations bring to life.

Paddington On Top by Michael Bond will make you laugh out loud and leave you wanting more.

Finally Autumn 2024 Book Tag…

Welcome one and all to another Wacky Wednesday post. Today I am partaking in the Finally Autumn 2024 Book Tag. I hope you all enjoy this quick little tag.

So without further ado, let’s jump straight in:

IN FALL, THE AIR IS CRISP AND CLEAR

NAME A BOOK WITH A VIVID SETTING!

The Lost Song of Paris by Sarah Steele

NATURE IS BEAUTIFUL…BUT ALSO DYING

NAME A BOOK THAT IS BEAUTIFULLY WRITTEN, BUT ALSO DEALS WITH A HEAVY TOPIC LIKE LOSS OR GRIEF.

Dear Mum by Samuel Johnson

IN ORDER TO KEEP WARM, IT’S GOOD TO SPEND SOME TIME WITH THE PEOPLE WE LOVE

NAME A FICTIONAL FAMILY/HOUSEHOLD/FRIEND-GROUP THAT YOU’D LIKE TO BE A PART OF.

The Paper & Hearts Society: Bookishly Ever After by Lucy Powrie

FALL IS THE PERFECT TIME FOR SOME STORYTELLING BY THE FIRESIDE

SHARE A BOOK WHEREIN SOMEBODY IS TELLING A STORY.

The Stable Boy of Auschwitz by Henry Oster and Dexter Ford

THE NIGHTS ARE GETTING DARKER

SHARE A DARK, CREEPY READ

Dark Mode by Ashley Kalagian-Blunt

THE DAYS ARE GETTING COLDER

NAME A SHORT, HEARTWARMING READ THAT COULD WARM UP SOMEBODY’S COLD AND RAINY DAY.

The Lost Library by Rebecca Stead and Wendy Mass

FALL RETURNS EVERY YEAR

NAME AN OLD FAVOURITE THAT YOU’D LIKE TO RETURN TO SOON.

The Secret Garden by Frances Hodgson Burnett

FALL IS THE PERFECT TIME FOR COZY READING NIGHTS

SHARE YOUR FAVOURITE COZY READING “ACCESSORIES”!

Electric Throw Blanket

Bed Socks

Reading Gloves

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Well, that’s it for me. I hope you guys enjoyed this tag. As usual, hit me up with your answers in the comment section.

Until next time…

Happy Reading… 

GEM

Paddington Takes The Air by Michael Bond

 ‘For most people, “taking the air” is merely taking a simple stroll, but as all true Paddington admirers might expect, nothing is simple for Paddington. As usual, though, he retains his talent for turning his sticky moments into great triumphs. Whether he’s attempting to tailor pants for grouchy Mr. Curry, or embarking on a thrilling career as a mystery detective, Paddington is sure to find trouble—and fun—wherever he goes.

“I do wish I could see into Paddington’s mind,” said Mrs Brown, “I know something’s going on. I can recognize the signs.” And there is plenty of cause for concern when Paddington takes an interest in detective work. Not to mention sewing and ballroom dancing!’

This book was fun.

As I have been making my way through my Paddington read-a-thon I have noticed that some of the books are new to me while others I actually remember from my childhood. This one was an odd one as I remembered some parts and not others which was something that hadn’t happened before.

Having parts of this book new to me made for some exciting reading moments, while I also experienced a fair bit of nostalgia from the elements of the story that I remembered. Both of these elements combined made for a wonderful reading experience.

Adding to the wonderful feel of this book were the lovely illustrations by Peggy Fortnum. I really enjoyed how these illustrations were used. Limiting the use of illustrations makes them feel more special when they do appear in the book.

Michael Bond has done a great job with this book. The story was entertaining from start to finish. The writing was perfect for young readers to follow. With some laugh-out-loud moments and a lot of kindness and heart, it is easy to see why Paddington is such a loved character.

Paddington Takes The Air by Michael Bond is a wonderful addition to the Paddington series.

St. Patrick’s Day Facts 2024!

As I am really enjoying compiling Pointless Facts each month, I have decided to put together a St. Patrick’s Day facts post. I hope you all enjoy these St. Patrick’s Day facts.

Let’s jump in, shall we?

St. Patrick is British.

St. Patrick was abducted at the age of 16 and brought to Northern Ireland as a slave.

St. Patrick’s real name was ‘Maewyn Succat’.

St. Patrick’s Day is held on March 17th as this is the day that St. Patrick died.

St. Patrick used the shamrock as a metaphor for the Holy Trinity when he first introduced Christianity to Ireland.

St. Patrick is credited for driving the snakes out of Ireland, but according to the fossil record, Ireland has never been home to snakes

On or around St. Patrick’s Day, the Irish taoiseach, or prime minister, presents the U.S. president with a crystal bowl of live shamrocks as a symbol of the close ties between the two countries.

Shamrocks are the national flower/emblem of Ireland.

Legend says that each leaf of the shamrock clover has a meaning: Hope, Faith, Love, and Luck.

Your odds of finding a four-leaf clover are about 1 in 10,000.

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I hope you all enjoyed today’s St. Patrick’s Day Facts. Let me know in the comments if these facts were new to you or if you have already come across them.

GEM

Paddington Goes To Town by Michael Bond

‘Paddington doesn’t intentionally turn his friend’s wedding into an uproar by getting the wedding ring stuck on his paw. Nor does he plan for Mr. Curry to slip on his marmalade sandwich in the middle of an important golf shot. But these sorts of things and more just happen when Paddington goes to town.

Paddington has warmed the hearts of generations of readers with his earnest good intentions and humorous misadventures.

First published in 1968, Paddington Goes to Town is the eighth novel chronicling the adventures of Michael Bond’s beloved classic character, Paddington Bear.’

This book was lovely.

As I have been making my way through my Paddington read-a-thon, there have been some books that I remember from my childhood and some that are new to me. It didn’t take long for me to remember this one which made for a wonderful nostalgic reading experience.

This is one of those books that had me smiling from the very first page until the very last. I loved reading about Paddington’s adventures and misadventures and how he gets himself into the crazy but entertaining situations that he is known for.

Adding an extra layer to these wonderful moments are the Illustrations by Peggy Fortnum. Scattered throughout the book, Peggy Fortnum’s illustrations bring to life various characters and scenes of the story which helps elevate this book to a whole new level.

Michael Bond has done a great job with this book. It was fun and sweet with a lovely story and wonderful characters. I love the heart and soul that this book contains; reading it is like receiving a nice warm hug. After reading this book it is easy to understand why Paddington is such a much-loved character.

Paddington Goes To Town by Michael Bond is a must-have for all young readers and their families.